Ajib Lathwal v. State Of Haryana And Another

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-19114-2026 Date of Decision : July 01, 2026 AJIB LATHWAL -PETITIONER V/S STATE OF HARYANA AND ANOTHER -RESPONDENTS

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI

Present:

Mr. Saurabh Dalal, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Gaurav Jindal, Addl. A.G., Haryana.

*** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1.

Through the instant writ petition, the petitioner seeks a direction to the competent respondent to grant him an arms licence. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the indolent and lackadaisical approach of the licensing authority in deciding the petitioner's application for grant of an arms licence, submitted on 16.04.2025, has constrained the petitioner to invoke the writ jurisdiction of this Court. It is submitted that, despite the lapse of more than one year, no final decision has yet been taken on the said application. It is, therefore, prayed that a direction be issued to the licensing authority to decide the petitioner's application within a stipulated period.

3.

Learned State counsel, who is in receipt of an advance copy of the writ petition and represents the respondents, submits that he has no objection if a direction is issued to the licensing authority to decide the petitioner's application for grant of an arms licence within a time-bound DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.02 11:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CWP-19114-2026 period.

4.

In view of the above, this Court deems it appropriate to dispose of the instant writ petition with a direction to the competent respondent/ licensing authority to decide the petitioner's application for grant of an arms licence, in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order, after affording the petitioner an adequate opportunity of hearing. In the event the application is rejected, the licensing authority shall pass a reasoned and speaking order, recording in writing the grounds for such refusal, as mandated under Section 14 of the Arms Act, 1959.

5.

Disposed of accordingly.

6.

However, liberty is reserved to the petitioner to seek revival of the instant writ petition in the event the licensing authority fails to comply with the directions issued hereinabove.

(KULDEEP TIWARI) July 01, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.02 11:17 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment